Boeing warns about unclaimed 747-8 production slots

Boeing could be forced to slow down production or build unsold 747-8s after 2013, the company warns in a new filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A "number" of unsold production slots for 747-8 Freighters and Intercontinental passenger models must be filled after this year to keep production on track at a rate of two aircraft per month, Boeing says in the annual filing.

"If we are unable to obtain orders for multiple Freighter aircraft in 2013 consistent with our near-term production plans, we may be required to take actions including reducing the number of airplanes produced and/or building airplanes for which we have not received firm orders," Boeing says.

As of 31 January, Boeing had 67 unfilled orders for 747-8s, including 39 747-8Fs and 28 747-8Is. The company is building 747-8s at a rate of 24 per year, but customers have not claimed all of the delivery slots for next year.

The market has not yet appeared to turn in Boeing's favour. Overall air cargo demand remains weak and Boeing's expected level of interest in the passenger model by airlines has not yet materialised.